There's no denying... most of us need a break about this time of year. And we've got a great idea- not a moment too soon. You might want to gather a group of your best friends, your mom or your sisters and take a few days off to reconnect and relax. And what better place to go than Fairhope, AL? We're known for our gorgeous waterfront, flowers on every corner throughout the city, miles of walking trails along Mobile Bay, great shopping, art, music, and loads of wonderful restaurants. So grab your group and come see us at Jubilee Suites! We'll help you book your suites and your itinerary so you won't miss a minute of fun.
Why Visit Fairhope, AL?
The City of Fairhope is across Mobile Bay from the City of Mobile. It's an easy drive but worlds away. Fairhope was settled in 1894 as a utopian "single tax" economic experiment by a small group of Midwesterners willing to risk it all to try out the ideas of Henry George. Locals would say it has always attracted an eclectic population of artists, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs that make this small waterfront town both charming and vibrant. We're up to a little over 22,000 citizens now and considering we're typically rated as one of the most delightful places to live in Alabama, the mix of "small" and "delightful" really can't be beat. Jim and I love it here and I bet you will too.
We're a walking town and a golf cart is welcome on the streets too. You'll see dedicated bike lanes as well. Speed limits top out at around 25 mph on most streets to accommodate all the walkers, bikes, and street-legal golf carts. (So fun! And we can help you rent one for your trip.) The pace is deliberately slow and you'll want to take your time exploring all there is to see and do. Southern hospitality is rich here and you won't find a friendlier place to visit.
How To Get Here
It's easy to get to Fairhope from either the Mobile or Pensacola airports, about an hour in opposite directions. Driving in on I-10 from either the east or west, Fairhope is just about 10 miles south. Our northern visitors come in on I-65. And if you'd like to come in by private plane, we have a local airport in Fairhope and we'll pick you up. However you plan to get here, Fairhope is under an hour from the Gulf of Mexico and we're all about beaches, waterfront living, and enjoying our rich cultural assets with fresh air and sunshine. Be sure to pack some resort casual clothing and bring your sunglasses!
Where to Stay in Fairhope, AL
Hotels and motels are available here for every traveler at every price point. At Jubilee Suites, we suggest a luxurious stay in one of our 9 beautiful suites each with 1 or 2 bedrooms and 1 or 2 baths, full kitchens or kitchenettes, living and dining areas, many with a bayview balcony or patio and each freshly decorated in upscale coastal furnishings. Our 2 BR suites sleep up to 4 adults and our 1BR suites sleep 2. Our intimate B&B is located in a quiet residential neighborhood high on the bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of Mobile Bay. With 200' of beachfront, many guests enjoy simply sitting by the water and watching the world go by. We also offer free kayaks and paddleboards for our guests and loads of other amenities and unique experiences right here at Jubilee Suites. Our large property has plenty of places to relax while visiting with each other or enjoying the nightly sunsets over the Bay. Why not celebrate your first night with a charcuterie board made to order for your group? We'll deliver it to your suite or to our 200' beach where you can seriously decompress while watching one of our incredible sunsets. We can also schedule spa treatments or yoga classes for your group. Do you have something else in mind? Perhaps a sailboat ride in the Bay? Give us a call after you make your reservation and we can help make your girls trip super-special. Breakfast is made to order each morning for all our guests and served in our Bayview great room. Come meet us and some of the other guests while you're here.
What To Do in Fairhope
We always say that you need at least 3 days here, not including travel time, to go home feeling completely rejuvenated and relaxed. After enjoying the Jubilee Suites property, you'll probably want to explore downtown Fairhope next and we're just under a mile away, a short
walk or drive. See all our favorite things to see and do in Fairhope here and don't hesitate to ask us for a recommendation or to book a special experience for you. For stunning views of Mobile Bay, the City of Fairhope maintains beautiful walking trails along the park on S. Mobile Street. No trip to Fairhope would be complete without a visit to the Fairhope Pier, where locals and tourists alike walk, fish, picnic, take pictures, enjoy the breeze off the water, and enjoy the sunsets each evening.
We're also blessed to have the wonderful Eastern Shore Art Center here in Fairhope offering classes and ever-changing displays of local and regional art. You'll see lots of art galleries in Fairhope too. Many businesses, including Jubilee Suites, help support local artists by displaying and selling their art. Ask us for an in-house art tour and you just might want to take something home as a souvenir. Every First Friday, the Eastern Shore Art Center sponsors an Artwalk, which means Fairhope turns out to visit EASC, galleries, restaurants, and shops while visiting with friends and enjoying local music on almost every street corner.
Because Fairhope has such an unusual history, the Fairhope History Museum, right on Section Street downtown, is definitely worth a visit. They do a great job of keeping the exhibits fresh so there's always something new to learn. Take a group selfie from inside the old jail cell and send it back to your families. You might get a few extra days to play!
De La Mare Avenue is a short street a block off Fairhope Avenue, but you could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the shops there. The famous Page and Palette bookstore anchors one end of De La Mare while Mr. Gene's Beans and Ferus Artisan Ales, both outdoor eateries, anchor the other end. In between you'll find stores selling wine, Fairhope branded clothing, olive oil, tea and spices, art, framing, women's and men's clothing, antiques, and unique gifts, just to name a few! It's the perfect street for picking up a few gifts for the family back home.
Where To Eat in Fairhope
When your strolling makes you hungry or thirsty, never fear... Fairhope has loads of great places to eat and drink, almost all owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. After a busy afternoon shopping, we like to sit down with an adult beverage at one of the many places to do so along De La Mare, Fairhope Avenue, or Section Street. We've curated a huge list of our favorite local restaurants, both casual and fine dining, and we'll be happy to help you narrow down the choices. We've seen 5 or 6 new restaurants open in just the last couple of years, and most specialize in fresh local fare such as Gulf seafood and farm-to-table ingredients. For such a small town, we really know how to eat.
One of the unique features of Jubilee Suites is that 7 of our 9 suites have full-furnished kitchens where you can make morning coffee or tea, prepare lunch, or even cook a full meal if you feel like it. (The other two suites have kitchenettes, each with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee and tea service.) We've got lots of local recommendations for grocery stores, catering businesses with prepared entrees, and specialty stores like Ahi Seafood Market where you can pick up fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, and whatever the daily catch brings in. Grills and charcoal are also available for the asking. And don't forget, your favorite breakfast is served every morning in our Bayview great room.
When you'd like to try something different, consider a catered meal in your suite. One of our guests' favorite things to do is to take part in a private cooking class led by one of Fairhope's most original chefs. While you're prepping your food, sipping on cocktails, and sitting down to eat together, the view of the Bay is half the fun! Let us know in advance and we'll schedule it for you.
When it's time to leave, we feel sure you'll be going home refreshed and with tons of memories. That's the beauty of a 3-day trip with close friends, sisters, or with your mom. Make some memories here on the water in Fairhope at Jubilee Suites with people you really care about. Check out our suites and our amenities and we think you'll agree... It's time for a girls trip!